Political Science: January 2012 Archives
I'm always late to this party -- it's become a Twitter thing -- but as has been my occasional custom, here are a few thoughts about the President's State of the Union address. Obama should, of course, be judged more by his actions than by what he says, but as with anyone in authority, understanding his thoughts and ideas is helpful.
Arguably, the State of the Union speech is just a big show, and that Obama's less well-planned statements are more revealing, but I think the speech is worth looking at for two reasons. First, this is Obama at his most considered and prepared, with his whole team participating, so you're seeing his governing philosophy presented at its best. Second, precisely because it's been so carefully prepared, this is one speech he can't back away from.
This is the entire text, taken from the official White House transcript, although I have reformatted it slightly and removed all the notations of when the audience applauded, because that's the silliest possible way to evaluate this speech.
It begins the customary way.
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:
The title is not about Mitt Romney winning the Iowa caucus, it's about Rick Santorum coming in second. I explain my reaction over at Nobody's Business in this post. If nothing else, watch the three minute video in which Santorum explains why freedom is bad and ask yourself if this is the guy you want to have the power to detain Americans without a trial.
It's not too early to start drinking, is it?
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